PGFI is pleased to announce a new series of funding opportunities for Fall 2008. Researchers from any Penn-associated school are invited to submit proposals in three areas: development of optical sensors and their biological application, development and analysis of high throughput sequencing methods, and development of genomic and small molecule assays. Depending on the type of proposal, awards may be up to $120,000 over two years.

All proposals are due by November 1, 2008. These materials should be sent to Joyce Donnelly (joyced@upenn.edu) in electronic format. Please see the PGFI web site for specific application requirements and award details (www.genomics.upenn.edu).

Synthesis of Novel Biologically Useful Optical Sensors

Detection and quantification of in vivo cellular processes requires sensitive detectors. While many chemical (e.g. fluorescein, etc.) and biological (e.g. GFP) fluorophores have been developed over the last several years, additional fluorophores and other optical sensors are needed. Ideally these new sensors would be more sensitive, have a longer half-life, be less biologically toxic and would be usable, simultaneously, with multiple other optical sensors. Applications are encouraged for novel chemical or biological fluorophore development as well as other types of optical sensors.

Awardees will receive up to $120,000 over two years in research funding to be spent on development of optical sensors and their biological application. Applicants from any Penn-associated school are encouraged to apply. Applications should consist of a research proposal (≤ 5 pages), investigators’ biosketches (NIH-format) and a one-page budget request.

High Throughput Sequencing Use and Analysis

To stimulate the development and application of high throughput sequencing and analysis methods, the Penn Genome Frontiers Institute announces a collaborative RFA for biologists and computational scientists. Awardees will receive up to $120,000 over two years in research funding to be spent on novel algorithmic development and biological application.

Applicants from any Penn-associated school are encouraged to apply through a co-investor mechanism consisting of at least one biologist and at least one computational scientist. Applications should consist of a research proposal (≤ 5 pages), investigators’ biosketches (NIH-format) and a one-page budget request.

Cell-based Screening Assay Development

To stimulate the development and application of high throughput cell-based screening, the Penn Genome Frontiers Institute announces an RFA for genomic and small molecule assay development.

Awardees will receive up to $30,000 in funding to be spent on personnel and reagents for cell-based screening assay development projects that can be completed within one year. Applicants from any Penn-associated school are encouraged to apply. Applications should consist of a research proposal (≤ 3 pages), investigators’ biosketches (NIH-format) and a one-page budget request.